“Being chosen,” as in the case of biblical or modern Israel, is still a grand theological theme inhabiting discourse in America, says Martin E. Marty. The concept is hotly disputed. And it is especially troubling when it becomes a matter of credal orthodoxy.

The willingness to stand out has brought about both a kind of ‘Jewish renaissance’ in Britain and also a very public discourse of insecurity, says Keith Kahn-Harris. But the resulting turbulence that has brought about some very positive outcomes.

Two hundred years ago, a revolution was ushered in by Reform Judaism, catering for Jews no longer isolated from the rest of society or fearful of surrounding culture, says Jonathan Romain. Through it, Jewish people are thoroughly engaged with society, looking to apply ancient roots to modern realities in a positive way.